| The brand new Edith Smith exhibition is in the final design phase and is on course for its opening at Grantham Museum in March. Amanda Schonhut, Fundraising Director says: “Thanks to the generous donations of the Grantham Public our team has designed and are now putting together an exhibition fitting of Edith Smith”. Edith Smith, the first official police woman in the British Isles, was sworn in at Grantham Police Station in the Guildhall in November 1915 to deal with prostitutes, female witnesses and children. She became a midwife when her husband died, before joining the Woman’s Police Volunteers in 1914 when the war broke out. The Woman’s Police Volunteers eventually reformed as the Woman’s Police Service. Although Grantham already had volunteer police women, Smith was the first to receive pay. Once established, she earned £2 a week. Edith served in Grantham until January 1918 after working seven days a week throughout, to become matron of the Lindis Nursing Home, Dudley Road. She died six years later after taking an overdose of morphine. So far, £1,500 has been raised but are on the final push to reach the £2,000 needed to create something special for visitors . Donations can be made online at www.granthammuseum.org.uk or in person. The Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am until 4pm.You can contact the Museum on 01476 568783 or email amandaschonhut@granthammuseum.org.uk You can also contact them via Facebook and Twitter, just search Grantham Museum. |
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